Sixth grade students collaborate on a math project at Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School.
Weekly Reflections: Where in Fairfax Is Dr. Reid?
Last week, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s work took her to nearly 10 schools. Was she in your neighborhood? Check out the latest Weekly Reflections.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to join Dr. Reid for a Community Conversation. Ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to you. Everyone is welcome!
Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. Childcare and interpretation services will be available.
Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Pedestrian Safety Tips From Fairfax County Police
October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Fairfax County Police Department reminds drivers and pedestrians that everyone plays a role in keeping our roads safe.
High Schoolers Hack the School Commute
Three FCPS seniors are behind a pilot program, the SafeWalkr app, that aims to help students find the safest route to walk to school. It will debut this week for families who live in the walking zones of 14 FCPS schools. Read about the app.
Save the Date for the Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 72nd annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held at Robinson Secondary School from March 12 to 14, 2027. The fair is open to the public on Sunday, March 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., during the fair’s open house. Come and see the project displays and congratulate our student participants on the inspired work they are doing!
Fat Bears Inspire a Big Appetite for Reading at Fort Belvoir Upper
About five years ago, the Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School librarian introduced students to Fat Bear Week. She has worked with students to develop their own contest, which has three parts: reading and voting for bears, a class reading challenge, and predicting the results of the real Fat Bear Week competition.
Read about Fat Bear Week at Fort Belvoir Upper.
Principals Partner With Families for Student Success
Our schools are led by extraordinary school leaders who show that when families and educators work hand in hand, students thrive.
At Bucknell Elementary School and Lake Braddock Secondary School, Principals Rashida Green (pictured above, at center) and Lindsey Kearns exemplify this collaborative spirit every day. Find out why they were named outstanding principals last year.
From Heard to Hopeful: How FCPS Ombuds Empower Parents as True Partners
Families navigating special education can often feel overwhelmed. Many parents reach out to the ombuds office as a last hope, feeling discouraged or unsure of their next steps.
Kathy Murphy, assistant ombuds for special education, works to help every parent and caregiver feel heard, understood, and hopeful. Read about her work with special education families.
Students thrive when families and schools work closely together! If you need support navigating your child’s education or special education services, visit the FCPS Office of the Ombuds to learn how an ombuds can help you.
June FCPS CARES Recipients Offer Child-Centered Care
FCPS CARES allows families, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.
Among the CARES of the Month recipients for June are Timber Lane Elementary School (pictured above, from left) Teacher Megan Ney, Social Worker Alyssa Pope, Psychologist Breonna Bryer, Special Education Chair Sirena Siu, Multilingual Learner Teacher Clara Villalobos Cortes, Special Education Chair Sam H Amey (not pictured), and Principal Benjamin Chiet (not pictured).
They were nominated by a parent whose child was being reevaluated. “They made what can often feel like an overwhelming process into a true example of what reevaluation and IEP meetings are meant to be: parents and educators coming together collaboratively to determine what is best for a student,” the parent said. “Their preparation, thoughtfulness, and genuine commitment to my child’s success were evident at every step.”
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Deedre Day, Gatehouse Administration Center
- Sara James, Herndon High School
- Aziz Loza, Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Tracy Hernandez, Oak View Elementary School
- Kelsey Seipp, Poplar Tree Elementary School
- Stephanie Steigerwalt, Gunston Elementary School
Read about all the recipients.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students ages 18 and under with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
Upcoming Food and Nutrition Job Fair
Join Team FCPS! A Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) job fair will take place on Monday, October 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Marshall High School. Meet our team and interview on site. Learn more about jobs in FNS.
Calendar Reminder: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday, October 12, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Tonight
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting today, Thursday, October 8, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Items on the agenda include:
- Opening of Schools Report.
- Superintendent’s Recommendation for Pre-K and Kindergarten Tech Device Use.
- Motions Related to Instructional Digital Applications.
View the full agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited in FCPS
Regulation 4950 – Sexual Harassment by Employees states that no person in Fairfax County Public Schools shall be subjected to sexual harassment. It is the intent of the School Board to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment of any kind.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature amounting to or constituting harassment are prohibited. Employees should report complaints of sexual harassment to their supervisors or program managers. Students, their parents, and caregivers should bring concerns to their school principals.
If for any reason an individual prefers not to address their concerns directly with a principal, supervisor, or program manager, they may consult or file a complaint online (select Discrimination/Bullying/Harassment Complaint).
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